Pocahontas State Park

Quick Facts

Things To Do

Overview

Only 20 miles from downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia, Pocahontas State Park has been one of the more popular parks in the state park system. Many various activities, including biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, camping and family-friendly nature programs, await guests. Swift Creek Reservoir and Beaver Lake offer visitors a chance for excellent wildlife viewing and fishing.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this was the first recreational park in the Richmond-Petersburg-Hopewell area. The National Park Service donated the facility to Virginia State Parks in 1946, making it the largest Virginia state park with more than 7,950 acres and two small lakes. The area was renamed Pocahontas State Park and Pocahontas State Forest and was operated under a cooperative management arrangement with the Department of Forestry. In 1989 a new master plan, funded jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Chesterfield County, called for expansion of park facilities to accommodate the large urban population surrounding the park. Today the entire area is operated as Pocahontas State Park.

The park is named after Pocahontas, the famed daughter of Chief Powhatan, who was ruler over the tribes in the Powhatan Confederacy of the Algonquin Nation. Legend has it that she saved Captain John Smith's life when he was held captive by the Powhatan Confederacy. Pocahontas, known at the time of her death as Lady Rebecca Rolfe, died in London from an undetermined illness.

Activities

Boating

Private boats may be used on Swift Creek Lake. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed.

Bicycling

The park offers a five-mile bicycle trail.

Camping

The campground has all electric and water hookups, centrally located restrooms with hot showers, grills, picnic tables and lantern holders.

Swimming and boat launch free for overnight campers (group camping customers must pay swimming fees).
All sites accept 20 and 30-amp current; a few accept 50-amp.
Firewood is available for sale in the campground.
One vehicle in addition to camping unit allowed at each campsite. Extra vehicles must park in parking lot and pay parking fee.
Each campsite has a steel fire ring that can be used for cooking and campfires.
Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and are required to pay the daily parking fee.
Total sites of each type: E/W, 114; Buddy, 5

Site type:

E/W - Electric and water hookups; RV's up to 50 feet, bathhouse with hot showers. Tents must fit on a 20' x 20' tent pad.

Buddy - Buddy site for a maximum of 18 people; electric and water group site; three campsites in each buddy site; tents, popups and RVs up to 40 feet; tents must fit on 20' x 20' tent pad. The cancellation fee for buddy sites is higher; the park's five buddy sites are apart from each other.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted, with a valid Virginia fishing license.

Hiking

Hiking, biking, bridle trails. Pocahontas State Park offers five miles of hiking trails around Beaver Lake and a trail accessible for persons with disabilities. In addition, numerous trails accessible to hikers and bicyclists wind through the surrounding woodlands.

Horseback Riding

There are bridle trails available.

Picnicking

The park's seven shelters are available for rent through the Reservations Center.

Seasonality/Weather

Spring and fall are generally comfortable with precipitation possible.
Summers can be hot and humid with average temperatures in the high 80s and with sudden thunderstorms possible. July and August are the hottest months.
Winters can be cold with average temperatures in the winter of 41 degrees with variable precipitation.

Directions

Driving

n Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate 95, Route 288 and Route 360. See below for detailed directions.